Dial-A-Ride Colchester County

The following is a feature story from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations on Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia.

For some people, visiting places like a store, a bank, or a restaurant is next to impossible. The Dial-A-Ride program in Colchester County, however, is helping people lead more fulfilling and productive lives by giving them access to activities and businesses in their own communities.

Fred Richards, co-ordinator of Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd. (CTCL), which oversees the Dial-A-Ride program, tells the story of a 78-year-old woman who heard about the program and booked a ride.

"Before Dial-A-Ride, she didn't think it was possible to travel", he said. "She visited a tearoom in Truro, and it was the first time she was out of the house in over five years. There are many elderly and disabled people like her who are house-bound."

Programs such as this one would not be possible without the commitment of many volunteers in the community and funding from the provincial government and businesses in the area.

Mr. Richards credits the provincial government for its support of the program.

"Any transportation system would not be able to survive without the funding and support of the provincial government," he said.

Up to one-third of the funding for Dial-A-Ride comes from the province, while non-profit community-based organizations raise the rest.

Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia provides transportation services for Nova Scotians who have disabilities, have low incomes or are elderly, and who need safe, affordable and accessible transportation. It offers a wide range of services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles for people with special mobility needs.

In areas where there are Dial-A-Ride programs, the service can pick up residents at home, take them where they need to go and return them later in the day. It is essential for those who cannot afford transportation by other means to travel to medical appointments, job interviews and other activities.

Up to one-third of the funding for Dial-A-Ride comes from the provincial government, while non-profit community-based organizations raise the rest of the funds.

"This service is helping to improve the lives of many Nova Scotians and we're proud to take part in it," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We're grateful to volunteers and community organizations who have come together to make it happen."

More information about Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia is available on the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Web site, at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/dialaride, or the toll-free hotline at 1- 877-305-RIDE (7433).